High Protein Vietnamese Pho Broth
Elevate your soup game with this High Protein Vietnamese Pho Broth, a wholesome twist on the classic comfort food. This aromatic and nutrient-packed recipe combines rich, slow-simmered flavors with a protein boost from tender beef brisket, chicken breast, or optional tofu. Perfect for cozy nights or meal prep, this pho broth is infused with fragrant spices like star anise, cloves, and cinnamon, alongside charred onion and ginger for a depth of flavor that's irresistible. Served over silky rice noodles and topped with fresh garnishes like Thai basil, bean sprouts, and lime, it's a complete meal that's as nourishing as it is delicious. Ready in about five hours, this hearty dish rewards your patience with a restaurant-quality bowl that's perfect for anyone seeking high-protein, gluten-free comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef bones or chicken carcasses
- 1 pound boneless beef brisket or chicken breast
- 2 medium yellow onion
- 4 inches fresh ginger
- 3 pieces whole star anise
- 4 pieces whole cloves
- 1 piece cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon rock sugar or granulated sugar
- 12 cups water
- 8 ounces tofu (optional for added protein)
- 8 ounces cooked rice noodles
- 1 cup fresh bean sprouts
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil
- 0.5 cup cilantro leaves
- 4 pieces lime wedges
- 1 piece sliced chilies (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the beef bones or chicken carcasses thoroughly under cold water to remove impurities. For extra clarity, you can blanch the bones in boiling water for 5 minutes, then rinse and drain.
Char the onions and ginger directly over an open flame or on a hot, dry skillet until their surfaces are blackened. Peel the onions and slice the ginger lengthwise.
In a large stockpot, add the bones, brisket or chicken breast, charred onions, and ginger. Pour in 12 cups of water and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface. Simmer uncovered for 2 hours.
After 2 hours, add the star anise, cloves, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, fish sauce, salt, and rock sugar. If using tofu for additional protein, cube it and add it to the broth at this stage.
Continue simmering the broth for another 2-3 hours, occasionally skimming the surface to remove impurities and ensure the broth remains clear.
Remove the brisket or chicken breast after 3 hours of cooking, slice it thinly, and set it aside. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids, leaving a clear and aromatic liquid.
To serve, place cooked rice noodles in bowls and top with thinly sliced brisket or chicken breast. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and protein.
Garnish with bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro leaves, lime wedges, and sliced chilies as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your high-protein pho!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3929 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 222.9 g | 286% | |
| Saturated Fat | 90.4 g | 452% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 925 mg | 308% | |
| Sodium | 9485 mg | 412% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 154.8 g | 56% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.6 g | 106% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.8 g | ||
| Protein | 325.6 g | 651% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2239 mg | 172% | |
| Iron | 74.8 mg | 416% | |
| Potassium | 6022 mg | 128% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
